Five Dead, Including Two Children, in Upstate New York Plane Crash
Tragedy struck upstate New York this week as a family bound for Atlanta, Georgia lost their lives in a plane crash, including two children aged 12 and 10. The fatal accident occurred Sunday, leaving a community in shock and authorities diligently working to uncover the cause.
Details of the Incident
The victims were aboard a single-engine aircraft known as the Piper Malibu Mirage. The plane, departing from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, New York, was destined for Atlanta with a scheduled stop in West Virginia for refuelling.
Authorities were alerted to a potential aircraft accident near Lake Cecil Road in Masonville, New York, around 2 p.m. The crashed Piper Malibu Mirage was located following an extensive search by multiple agencies using drones, ATVs, and helicopters.
The Victims
The victims, a family from Georgia, were identified as Roger Beggs, 76, Laura VanEpps, 43, Ryan VanEpps, 42, James R. VanEpps, 12, and Harrison VanEpps, 10. The family was returning from a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, New York.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are working in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Board (NTSB) to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash.
Analysis of the Piper Malibu Mirage
The Piper Malibu Mirage is a popular single-engine aircraft known for its performance and capacity to cover long distances. With room for six people, it’s often a choice for small group travel. Nevertheless, like all aircraft, it is not immune to potential mechanical issues or adverse weather conditions, both factors being part of the ongoing crash investigation.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of the family has left their home community in Georgia, as well as the smaller Masonville community, in mourning. The baseball tournament they attended in Cooperstown often brings together families from across the country, making the accident a nationwide tragedy. As the investigation continues, those who knew the family are left to deal with the sudden and devastating loss.
Conclusion
The crash in upstate New York is a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and extended family of those lost in this tragic event. We hope the ongoing investigation will provide some answers to the haunting questions left in the wake of such a tragedy.
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
